Bullying: The Living Hell

Have you heard about Rachael Ehmke? Do you know who she was? She was a 13 year old from Minnesota who committed suicide after being subjected to months of bullying.  Bullying for some might be those girls in school who tease endlessly, for some it might be the biggest boy in the neighbourhood ganging up on him. No matter what form or situation it comes in, it can lead to depression, negativity and in extreme cases loss of life.

What exactly is bullying? Is it only the use of force or coercion to intimidate others? Or is there something more and beyond it?

If you were to ask me, I'd say there is definitely more to it. Many people in our society retain horrible memories of high school, a large part of it being the bullying they experienced.

So why do bullies bully? It is found that people who are depressed, angry or upset with family issues, who have low self - esteem, who have a strong need to be in control of others, who lack the ability to self - regulate their emotions; family backgrounds etc. end up bullying others.

Victims of bulling fit similar profile. They are likely to be aggressive, depressed, who lacks social skills, negativity, who is rejected and isolated.

There are various types of bullying such as school bullying, workplace bullying, cyber bullying etc. Bullying is not only physical but verbal too and verbal bullying can do the same damage as physical bullying. 

And as Eminem rightly says in his song, "Sing for the Moment"

"I guess words are a m****

They can be great or they can degrade, 

Or worse they can teach hate."

Today bullying has taken place as one of the most important issues which needs to be handled carefully as it is also of the most sensitive issues.

There are many organizations, programs, which promote "STOP BULLYING" such as Trevor Project, the National Center for Bullying Prevention, GLSEN, The Humanity Project etc.

Many artists, celebrities have taken initiative to spread the message of stop bullying.

Hilary Duff says - "When one person is verbally or mentally abusive, the damages can last a lifetime. And sometimes words can hurt much more than physical cuts or bruises. Believe it or not, people that are hurting are usually the ones that hurt others, and it comes from a place of insecurity. So take the high road. Don't be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. Thanks."

Daniel Radcliffe said, “These young people were bullied and tormented by people that should have been their friends. We have a responsibility to be better to each other, and accept each other’s differences regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ability, or religion and stand up for someone when they’re bullied.”

Elton John rightly says, "Speak out, speak out. Snitch on them. Try to defend yourself, not like me, who hid it and thought it was OK to just go on like it."

Some shocking facts about bullying:

1)    1 out of 4 teens are bullied.

2)    1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some “Bullying.”

3)    43% fear harassment in bathrooms.

4)    As many as 160,000 students stay home on any given day because they’re afraid of being bullied.

5)    43% of kids have been bullied while online. 1 in 4 have had it happen more than once.

6)    47% of older youth 18-24 are cyberbullied.

7)    97% of middle schoolers are bullied while online.

Some people feel that bullying is a part of growing up. I think it isn't. Bullying is intentional teasing and harassment which leads to physical, mental and emotional strain.

Take part in anti-bullying projects; take initiative in schools and colleges to stop these wrongful acts. Help bullied victims. One step forward from your side can make a big difference.

These are some sites which have taken initiative to stop bullying. Visit these and see if you can be a part of the solution:

www.stopbullying.gov

www.projectbully.com

www.bullying.org/